Another important isotope is carbon-14, which is used in studying the irregularity of metabolism which contains diabetes, appetite, blood …show more content…
In nuclear medicine, the diagnostic techniques use a radioactive tracer which releases gamma rays within the body. These tracers are usually isotopes that have a short life and are associated with some chemical compounds which allow certain physiological processes to be examined. These tracers are given by injection, inhalation or by the mouth. Single photons are detected by a gamma camera which can see the organs from any point of view. The gamma camera creates an image from the points from when the radiation is emitted; the image is enhanced by a computer and viewed by a physician on a monitor for signs of abnormal …show more content…
The given amount of x-rays or radioactive materials used in nuclear medicine imaging can differentiate between the procedure and the part of the body being viewed. Usually, the dose of radiopharmaceutical given is small increments and the level of radiation being given is relatively low. There are no known long-term effects from the low-dose exposure. Some side effects that can happen are bleeding, soreness or swelling may develop at the injection site.
Nuclear medicine imaging’s results are usually examined with x-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRI’s after those image results have been received. Nuclear medicine imaging is used with other testing because sometimes will not find very small tumors. Nuclear medicine imaging sometimes cannot tell the difference between a cancerous tumor and non-cancerous tumor.
Computed X-ray tomography, CT scans and nuclear medicine contributes to 36% of radiation exposure and 75% of the medical exposure to the US population. The average yearly radiation exposure has increased from 3.6 millisievert to 6.2 millisievert per year due to medical procedures for patients. As you can see radioactive isotopes are used throughout the world. The main use is for the medical field to help people in need. The radioactive isotopes help those who have tumors, diabetes and arthritis. This is